The Bees as Seeds Experience: An ancestral journey combining traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and western sustainable agriculture science & Indigenous insect art perspectives

Bees have fascinated humankind for thousands of years. From the first known prehistoric cave paintings of honey hunters in La Cueva de Las Arañas in Valencia, Spain to contemporary bee breeding efforts around the globe, honey bees have initiated humans into the deeper mysteries of our relationship with the natural world. They have become the exploited poster child of industrialized agriculture through no fault of their own. But what if we reframed their contemporary existence and worked in collaboration across landscapes and borders to redefine what it means to work alongside bees and in tandem with nature? Presented by Melanie Kirby- a professional apiculturist, Extension Educator, and National Geographic Storyteller- this workshop will focus on the Bees as Seeds Experience and how the pairing of Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western sustainable agricultural science and mixed media artistic approaches can better inform and encourage pollinator habitat efforts, stewardship engagement, and educational outreach. Additionally, Insect inspired art by the students, faculty, and staff of the Institute of American Indian Arts will be highlighted.